On Monday, March 27, 2017, the Arthur L. Johnson Athletic Department held their 2016 – 2017 Winter Athletic Awards. The evening, sponsored by the Crusader Athletic Booster Club, was held in the ALJ Auditorium.
All the Winter Athletic Teams and their seasons were highlighted by their coaches while handing out letters and awards to the student athletes. Over 158 varsity athletic letters were handed out throughout the evening, as participation in athletics at ALJ continues to grow.
The program continued with the Student Athlete Award, which was presented by the Principal of ALJ Mr. Rick Delmonaco. The Student Athlete Award is given out each athletic season to a student athlete that is not only a champion on the field, but in the classroom as well. The 2016-2017 Winter Student Athlete award recipient was Eric Velasquez.
In addition, the Crusader G.P.A. Challenge was awarded to the team that finishes with the highest overall G.P.A. amongst athletic teams for the winter season. The recipients was presented with certificates, had their team memorialized on a plaque, and will be invited for a “Breakfast with the A.D.” to celebrate their actions both in the classrooms and on the fields. The G.P.A. Challenge was for the winter season was awarded to the Crusader Girls’ track and Field Team with a G.P.A. of 3.8247. The following members of the Girls’ Track and Field Team were named G.P.A. Challenge winners: Gianna Randazza, Samantha Wagner, Grace Duffy, Lindsey Hofschneider, Jessica Knowles, Yasmine Torres, Katelyn Falke, Kayla Kowalenko, Natalya Torres, Kylee Zawacki, Emma Hilton, Julia Kalynchuk, Shailynn Rapp, and Taylor Turek.
Athletic Director Gus Kalikas, had this to say about the event: “Once again, our Winter Awards Program was a successful evening as it allows the District, Administration, and Coaches the opportunity to acknowledge a wonderful Winter Sports Season as well as recognize both student athletes and their parents alike for all that they have accomplished this past winter athletic season.”
THE BEST TEAMMATE AWARD
This award is given out seasonally to one member from each athletic team that best fits the characteristics of a good teammate. The individuals that receive these awards exhibit upbeat attitudes and outstanding character. They helped influence the team’s culture in a positive manner, while always supporting teammates and promoting team unity. The Best Teammate Award Winners were: Boys’ Basketball – Ray Williamson, Girls Basketball – Amy Wysocki, Wrestling – Tyler Bohm, Ice Hockey – Mike Adamowitz, Boys’ Winter Track & Field – Alex Hampp, Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Lyndsey Hofschneider, Swimming – Cameron Hund, Bowling – Evandro Galli, and Cheerleading – Alexa Cutro.
2016-2017 WINTER STUDENT ATHLETE
The evening culminated with the announcement of the Team Most Valuable Players. The MVPs were: Boys’ Basketball – George Visconti Jr., Girls Basketball – Sabrina Parin, Wrestling – Christopher Fuschetto, Ice Hockey – Karol Wieczorek, Boys’ Winter Track & Field – Eric Velasquez, Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Gianna Randazza, Swimming – Matthew Gallo, Bowling – Andrew Beach, and Cheerleading – Athena Petronella.
Eric Velasquez.
Winter Athletic MVP’s
Winter Athletic BTA
